Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Flea Market in Old Jaffa

No trip to a country would be complete withouta visit to one of its FleaMarkets. The Flea Market in old Jaffa, at walking distance from the clock tower square (see previous post), is one of the main attractions of the city, especially to those looking for bargains in antiques and second-hand treasures.

One can spend here several pleasant hours of walking around, exploring, enjoying the unique atmosphere, and having a bite in one of the eateries in the area. It is a great cultural and shopping experience

Before entering the market one should know some basics: here you pay mainly in cash; you have to beware of pickpockets; you can practice your barganing and haggling skills. The place also offers photography opportunities : capture of people , stuff, and curiosities; so bring your camera with you.

The little streets and alleys, east of the clock tower, are packed with merchandise : clothing, rugs, furniture, jewelery, tools, old books and records, toys - you name it they've got it. A lot of junk is displayed on some sidewalks.

If you come early in the day, you may get a good price as the vendor believes the sale will bring him luck through the day (and if it's Sunday - luck through the whole week).

Let's have a few pictures speak for themselves.

light fixtures

lace and clothes

judaica items and jewellery

woman mending a rug in front of her rugs shop

old pictures

second-hand furniture items

small tools

On my last visit to the Flea Market (about two weeks ago), I witnessed a bride and groom having their photo taken in front of a furniture store. Perhaps the shop is family owned and the couple wanted a memento with this location as background to some photos. Anyway, it was a rather cold day, but the bride wasn't shivering. She was happy and eager to follow the photographer's instructions. Love was in the air.

I love flea markets. Isn't it wonderful to be able to capture new love? The moments of each day present such wonderful opportunity's. I hope you're doing well Duta!http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2012/02/beach-drum-video-for-you.html

We have a (comparatively) small flea market near my home. It is only open in the summer, but the selections are similar. I love the lace and jewelry, myself, although I don't often buy anything. I enjoyed strolling through this one with you!

A very interesting shopping trip even if it is just window shopping. I think it is nice to have the shops so close to the clock tower. I liked the tool shop but especially the ring of old keyes. Also, the gentleman sitting behind the counter perked my interest as he had such a kind face. As for the love birds, there has to be reason to their photos such as they met at this place or the machine has a special meeting. Oh well, I could go wild with my imagination on those photos. Maybe each of us blogger could write a short story of those love birds. Thanks for sharing Peace

I love flea markets, we walk flea markets alot and browse, every once in a while purchase something. But I would really enjoy this one. I love your pictures I almost felt like I was there with you. I would go nuts with the old pictures and frames. I am always looking for frames. What a perfect ending with those in love. She was a beautiful bride,does make you wonder why they were there. hmmmm. Yes, there could be a story there! lol. I so enjoy your posts Duta, always look forward to them!until next time... nel

LOVE this post. I rarely go to flea markets, but I absolutely love them. The thrill of the unknown - the possibility of unearthing a valuable treasure. This looks like a great flea market, Duta - thanks for taking us there!!

HI Duta, thanks for guiding me to this post on Jaffa! I loved going through the flea market, and have my eye on some of the things in the Judaica corner! That was amazing that you saw a wedding couple there, how rare a find to see at a flea market!! Great photos of the bride and groom in that setting!! BTW,I will be going to Israel this year in spring! I hope the tour will go thru Jaffa, it would be something to bring back a menorah!! And a few of the shirts look nice on the clothing sale! Blessings!